A CRUSHED PARTIAL BLUE with an ‘M’ on one side and what the client reported as an ’80’ and break line on the rear – possibly a misread ’30’ – was expected to contain oxycodone but instead the potent synthetic opioid protonitazene was detected. No oxycodone was detected. The pill, which appeared poorly pressed, was sourced locally (ACT region).

What does this mean?

Protonitazene is significantly stronger than fentanyl. This is the sixth nitazene-related community notice that CanTEST has issued since service commenced in 2022. Nitazenes have been detected with increasing frequency in several parts of Australia, and in various forms. Any type of drug sourced from the unregulated market (including convincing looking counterfeit pharmaceuticals) may contain nitazenes or other dangerous substances.

Effects

All nitazenes carry a risk of fatal overdose. There is no safe way to use them. Nitazenes are known to cause an opioid-like overdose (lowered/loss of consciousness, breathing slowly or not at all, tiny/pinpoint pupils, discoloured lips/nails, cold or clammy skin, choking/coughing/gurgling or snoring sounds are all potential signs).

Test your stuff!

Always assume that your drugs may not be what you expect.

Some counterfeit pharmaceuticals can look very convincing and even be in ‘branded’ blister packs or packaging that appears authentic. Genuine pharmaceuticals are only dispensed from pharmacies. Come and see us at CanTEST – we are a free, confidential harm reduction service.

Naloxone

Naloxone can reverse a protonitazene overdose, but several doses may be required. Never use alone and keep naloxone on hand. Search ‘Take Home Naloxone’ to get locations for free naloxone anywhere in Australia (link in bio). You can get Nyxoid nasal spray naloxone for free from canTEST.

Responding to an overdose

Always call 000 immediately (even if you have and use naloxone). Learn first aid and CPR. Because opioid overdoses first affect a person’s breathing, rescue breaths are an important consideration when responding to a suspected opioid overdose.